Why gold never rusts: Scientists uncover its atomic secret
Researchers found that gold atoms rearrange into a hexagonal surface pattern that makes splitting oxygen molecules vastly more difficult
The Statue of Liberty has stood at the entrance to New York Harbor for nearly 140 years, initially a warm metallic copper color. Over time, oxidation transformed it into its well-known green patina, a natural protective layer preventing further corrosion. However, gold, despite being more valuable and luxurious, possesses an unusual resistance to oxidation.
This is due to the arrangement of gold atoms at its surface, which prevents easy bonding with oxygen. Researchers at Tulane University in Louisiana used quantum-mechanical computer simulations to explain this phenomenon. They found that when gold's surface atoms rearrange themselves forming a hexagonal pattern upon exposure to air, it becomes extremely poor at breaking apart oxygen molecules, slowing down oxidation by a million to a trillion times compared to the square configuration.
The hexagonal arrangement is thus gold's atomic "X factor," explaining its enduring shine and resistance to corrosion. This discovery could have practical applications, such as enhancing gold's chemical reactivity in catalysts. Gold's unique atomic structure, similar to other hexagonal patterns found in nature like honeycombs and turtle shells, highlights the importance of such structures in maintaining material stability.
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